The Maryland Terrapins (10-6) will attempt a tough feat in hopes to upset the 10^th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini (12-3) on Sunday, January 14, at 2:00 PM ET at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. The Fighting Illini are moderately favored for success, with a point spread set at -8.5 (-110).

The Terrapins just recently snapped their two-game losing skid in their previous matchup. This was a 64-57 outing over the Michigan Wolverines.

Over their last five games, only three of their battles have been within nine points or less. This includes their losses, which could offer some perspective on them being able to keep this game close. However, they did incur a 14-point defeat to the top-ranked Purdue Boilermakers.

The Terrapins are getting 70.6 points a game and are making 40.7 percent of their shots. They only average 10.8 assists a game, which shows that their offense can be stagnant at times and is not a fast moving offense.

They are allowing their opponents to average 63.3 points each game and might benefit them here if they can slow down the pace of play for the Fighting Illini. They also put up 37.4 rebounds, 5.2 blocks, and 7.6 steals each night on the court.

The Fighting Illini were able to quickly get back on track after a closely fought battle against the Boilermakers. Their recent success was a 71-68 showing over the Michigan State Spartans.

In their last five games, they have won four of them, with their recent one being within three points. As for the other wins, they have blown out teams by 20 points or more.

The Fighting Illini are averaging 82.7 points per game and are connecting on 47.5 percent of their shots. They are getting 13.4 assists a game, which is not that much better than the Terrapins, and could create some issues in the pace of the game to find open teammates.

They are slowing teams down to 66.9 points per game and will need their defense to win this game. They are also averaging 43.3 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, and 4.3 steals a game.

Bookmaker offers their betting options for this college basketball showdown, showing that the Illinois Fighting Illini are 8.5-point favorites for success. According to market insights, the Fighting Illini have a 91.8 percent chance at winning this game at home.

The Terrapins issues on both ends of the floor and their pace of play will likely hurt them here. As for the Fighting Illini, they are likely not going to run away with this one early, but should have a good opportunity to win and cover the spread.